About New York State Vehicle Inspection

Each state in the United States has different regulations for their resident's vehicles. These regulations are made to keep the highways and streets safe. A car or truck must be in good working order to be used on any public road. These safety regulations are not only for your safety, but the safety of all other drivers.

Who Must Get Inspected

Everyone driving a vehicle registered in New York State is required to get safety and emissions inspections. These inspections are done on a yearly basis. New vehicle purchases should be inspected by your dealer. If you buy your car from a different state, you have ten days after registration is complete to get a NYS inspection.

These inspections are required by law. The fee for safety inspections is ten dollars and the fee for emissions is eleven dollars. If you live in the New York City limits (within the five boroughs) the fee goes up to 27 dollars for what is called an "enhanced emissions" test. (Please inquire about rates before your appointment as fees can change from year to year.)

If you fail to get your annual inspection, you will not be allowed to renew your vehicle registration within the state. You can also be fined. These fines range from 25 dollars after sixty days and on up to 100 dollars after that. If you do not have an inspection sticker on your vehicle, you can also be fined up to 100 dollars. There are also 55 dollar surcharges that will be added to your fine.

Where To Go

To get a NYS inspection, you must go to a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) approved site. These are marked with yellow and black signs that say, "Official Inspection Station." A certified motor vehicle inspector must complete your inspection.

Safety Inspection

This inspection will check various systems of your vehicle for safe and proper function.

Brakes: All components of your breaking system will be checked, including your disks, drums, and rotors. The system must be in good working order. Your inspector will remove one tire (or more) to inspect the system for problems. They will also drive your vehicle to make sure the brakes apply correctly.

Horn: Your horn will be checked for proper placement and operation.

Lights: All lights on your vehicle must be correctly mounted, and fully operational. They must not be cracked or broken. This will include your high and low beams, brake lights, turn signals, four ways, and license plate lights (if applicable).

Major Systems: Your steering will be checked for proper working order and handling. Shocks, chassis, frame, shocks, torsion, and wheel fasteners will all be examined as well.

Mirrors: Your mirrors will be checked for cracks, breaks, and operation. They must be clear, mounted in the correct spot and any mechanical parts must work.

Seat Belts: Each seatbelt in your car must be fully functional and in place. There must be no belts missing.

Tires: Tires will be checked for overall condition and wear. There must be at least 2/32-inch groove space on the most worn parts of your tires for them to be deemed safe.

Windshield: Your vehicles windshield must be intact and in good condition. Your wipers must be operational and your wiper blades must be in good shape.

Emissions Inspection

Your emissions inspection will depend on where you live and what year your car was made. Vehicles that are 26 years or older are exempt, as are historical or vintage (licensed as such) vehicles, or have electric or diesel engines. Please note that vehicles over 8,500 pounds with diesel engines are subject to random roadside or annual inspections.

If your vehicle was manufactured with a catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation system, fuel inlet restrictor, exhaust gas recirculation valve, evaporative emission control, or an air injection system, they will be tested.

Lost Stickers

If you lose your inspection sticker, you can get it replaced. Your receipt from your inspection will be required to get a new one. If you cannot find your receipt, you must contact the DMV with the following information: your contact information, date of inspection, odometer reading at time of inspection, your license plate number, year of your vehicle, manufacturer of your vehicle, and the number from your sticker (if you have it).

If your sticker falls off of your windshield but it is still in your possession, you can reaffix it yourself. Clear tape or glue is acceptable, but don't use any glue that cannot be removed when your next inspection is due.